Two-pronged attack for Downey

Roydon Downey will launch a two-pronged attack in tonight’s IRT. Your Horse. Our Passion. Winter Rewards Handicap Trot (Race 5) at Cambridge Raceway, with siblings Sans Au Revoir (Love You) and Santapazienza (Wishing Stone) both stepping back in grade and looking well-placed to feature.

Both trotters have been racing against strong opposition of late at Alexandra Park, and now get a chance to capitalise on slightly easier company in the $20,000 feature.

Sans Au Revoir, a seasoned campaigner, brings experience and consistency to the table. Kate Coppins retains the drive after partnering with the mare for the first time at her last start, a performance that left her trainer feeling confident about her prospects.

“I freshened her up before her last start and she ran home good, she’ll be fitter for the run,” said Downey. “It was Kate’s first drive on her and I thought she drove her really well.”

Downey believes the conditions of tonight’s race are ideal for the daughter of Love You.

“She’s very well placed in this field, it will all depend on the tempo of the race and how things pan out early. She’s definitely a class horse, and she’s very well at the moment, so I’m expecting a decent run from her.”

Her younger sibling, Santapazienza, continues to impress with his development. To be driven by Harrison Orange, the emerging trotter has finished top-two in each of his last five starts, picking up two wins along the way.

“He seems to be one of those horses who lifts on race-day,” Downey said, “he’s come forward in leaps and bounds, it was his first run over the 2700m last start and I thought he went great, he had to do a bit of work and was only beaten by a very nice horse.”

While the matchup between the siblings adds an intriguing element to the race, Downey believes Sans Au Revoir’s experience could give her the edge, but he’s not ruling out a bold showing from her younger brother.

“She’s a hard mare and she’s been through the mill, but in saying that everything we’ve asked of him, he’s always stepped up,” said Downey.

“If I had to split them, I’d go with the mare. She’s been there and done that, and he’s the little champ coming up. It will certainly be interesting.”

Santapazienza is currently a $3.30 favourite with Sans Au Revoir at $5. The race goes at 6.59pm.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Jordyn Bublitz for Harness Racing New Zealand